Join master artist Úrsula Romero for an inspiring botanical watercolour painting retreat in the French Pyrenees. Designed for all skill levels, this hands-on workshop focuses on capturing late blooms, leaves, mushrooms, and seed pods in striking 3D detail.
About this course:
In this workshop, you’ll learn to create dramatic, larger-than-life botanical paintings. Master clever glazing and lighting techniques, mix rich, natural greens and earthy tones, and capture complex textures like translucent petals and fine plant hairs with convincing three-dimensional depth.
You will have the exciting opportunity to learn how to enlarge your paintings and how to build your compositions. From the complexity of Roses to the dramatic colours of Dahlias; the countryside and gardens that surround our course venue are abundant.
Úrsula will share her original portfolio, offering a rare look at how a piece develops step-by-step. Through immersive live demonstrations and hands-on, personalised guidance right on your page, you will study her technique up close, gain expert confidence, and refine your artistic vision.
You’ll have the space to launch ambitious, large-scale works supported by high-quality paper (56 × 76 cm) – which will be provided for you – and return home with expert skills to complete them at your own pace. Courier delivery via UPS or DHL can easily be arranged if your painting exceeds luggage limits.
Programme outline
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Atelier Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Short presentation of the workshop with examples from Úrsula’s portfolio. Followed by a walk of the grounds to choose the painting subject.
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.30 Set up and first drawing session
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Drawing continues and the watercolour paper is prepared for painting
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.30 Demonstration of painting by Úrsula and painting begins
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Painting your own subject continues. Úrsula will talk about colours and demonstrate her own painting techniques.
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.30 Painting on your chosen flowers or leaves continues. Úrsula will talk about burnishing.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – Free Day
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in a local vineyard, exploring Pau or beyond.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Painting continues on chosen subject or new subject can be chosen. Úrsula will talk about black backgrounds.
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.30 Painting continues or you start developing your second painting
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Painting continues
1.00 – 2.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 5.30 Painting continues
5.00 – 6.00 Preparation for the evening exhibition
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the studio over apéritif
7.00 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-painting guests: We are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Art Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
